Bombing and shelling continued overnight. At least three more Palestinians were killed. More were injured.

Israel said over 20 sites were targeted. Hamas' military wing, Izzeddin Qassam Brigades, said Israel "opened the gates of hell." A robust response was promised.

Jabari is the most senior Hamas official killed since Cast Lead. He was involved in capturing Gilad Shalit. During his five years in captivity, he led negotiations that freed him.

Netanyahu said Israel chose this time to "exact the heaviest price." Initially he added that a significant military action wouldn't be undertaken. In fact, it was initiated and remains ongoing. Perhaps something greater is planned.

Kadima opposition leader Shaul Mofaz called killing Jabari and attacking Gaza a "deterrence against Hamas in the long term. It isn't the time to loosen our grip and relax. We must search (out Hamas leaders) everywhere."

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Former Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni called the killing an "appropriate assassination of the head of a terror organization that is responsible for spilling the blood of Israeli citizens."

Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich said Jabari had the "blood of many Israelis on his hands. (He) was the arch terrorist of the extremist Hamas organization." Killing him was "justified."